NEWS – Egypt was officially declared ‘malaria-free’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 20, 2024. This achievement makes Egypt the second country in 2024 to be declared malaria-free, following Cabo Verde.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The WHO’s malaria-free certification is given to countries that have proven they have interrupted the transmission of malaria for at least three consecutive years.
• Egypt’s certification is a testament to nearly a century of consistent efforts to eradicate malaria.
• Egypt is the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to be declared malaria-free.
• Previous certifications in the region include:
  • United Arab Emirates (2007)
  • Morocco (2010)
• Egypt achieved this milestone after 14 years since the last country in the region was declared malaria-free.
• With Egypt’s certification, the total number of countries and territories certified as malaria-free by the WHO has reached 44.
• This reflects a growing global effort to eliminate malaria, especially in regions historically affected by the disease.
• The malaria-free status is the result of Egypt’s government and people’s sustained efforts over nearly a century.
• These efforts included public health campaigns, insecticide spraying, and vector control initiatives.
• Egypt joins a small group of African countries that have successfully eradicated malaria:
  • Cabo Verde
  • Algeria
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
• These countries serve as examples for the broader African continent, where malaria remains a critical public health issue.

UNDERSTANDING MALARIA

• Cause: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Transmission Cycle: The parasites initially multiply in the liver before attacking red blood cells, leading to various symptoms.
• Parasite Species: Five species of Plasmodium cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax posing the greatest threats.